Abstract: An apparatus that includes a handle; a pair of opposed gripping members, each member comprising a gripping surface, each gripping surface comprising a forward edge; and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI) positioned between the handle and the forward edges. A method of coupling an orthodontic bracket to a tooth comprising: providing a bracket holder comprising a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI); utilizing the bracket holder to grip a bracket and to place the bracket on a tooth; while viewing the position and orientation of the GMPOI relative to the tooth on which the bracket is being mounted, rotating and/or moving the bracket holder so as to set the orientation and position of the bracket; subsequently causing the bracket holder to release the bracket; inserting a portion of the bracket holder into the bracket; and rotating the bracket holder so as to rotate the bracket.

Abstract: The posterior segment 20 of the orthodontic archwire of the present invention has the connector 30 provided in advance on the free end 23 of a loop 22 formed by bending one end of the segment. The archwire 1 where the main wire portion 10 of the anterior segment 10 is connected to the main wire portion 21 of the posterior segment 20 on the same axial center can be obtained by inserting and securing the connection end 12 formed by bending each opposite end of the said anterior segment 10 into the said connector 30.

Abstract: An anchor implanting device for orthodontics used for implanting an wire supporting anchor supporting a teeth supporting wire which supports a plurality of teeth and correct the teeth, comprises a tooth supporter supportedly enclosing a portion between a pair of neighboring teeth elastically in a transverse direction relative to an array direction of the teeth; a locating projection projected inward in a radial direction from the tooth supporter and positioned between the pair of neighboring teeth and a gum; at least one anchor positioning unit extended from the tooth supporter, positioned on the side of the gum so as to establish an implanting position of the wire supporting anchor. With this configuration, the present invention provides an anchor implanting device for orthodontics, allowing a wire supporting anchor to be implanted on the predetermined position of the gum in an easy manner.

Abstract: A hand instrument for debonding orthodontic brackets has a shield that extends around the bracket during a debonding procedure. In certain embodiments, the shield is connected to a vacuum source for carrying away any loose fragments or sections. In another embodiment, the debonding tool has at least one resilient surface for engagement with sides of the bracket to facilitate the application of uniform pressure on the bracket. Additional embodiments include a shield having at least one resilient outer edge for contact with the tooth surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic jig for attaching orthodontic brackets on the teeth is disclosed. The orthodontic jig comprises a housing, a bracket support extending out of the front side of the housing through the back side of the housing, tweezers for gripping the tie wings of the bracket connected to the housing and disposed around the bracket support, a cusp tip reference means for setting the cusp tip of the tooth as the reference surface of the orthodontic position, means for displacing the cusp tip reference plate upward or downward, and a handle connected to the upper and lower surface of housing for supporting the housing. The orthodontic jig can be connected with a cusp tip reference means or/and a lingual bracket positioning device.

Abstract: Debonding tools and methods especially useful for removing ceramic brackets adhesively bonded to the teeth of a patient. In general, the tool and methods involve applying a tensile force to one side of the bracket while avoiding point loading which may cause the bracket to break. The tensile force may be applied by grasping the bracket with a tool having two jaws and pivoting the tool and the bracket about an axis generally lying in an occlusal-gingival plane of the tooth. At least the portions of the jaws that engage the bracket are formed from a material having a substantially reduced hardness relative to the brittle material of the bracket. Other embodiments of the tool engage a recess, such as one disposed beneath a tie wing, and pry the bracket away from the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic cutter, which comprises a cutter part 1 including a pair of handles 11, one of the handles being shorter than the other, which cross at a pivot axis and a pair of jaws 13 which have cutting edges; a tucker part 2 including a short stick-type handle 21 having the lower end thereof provided with a tip 211; a holder 12 formed on the lower lateral side of the shorter one of the handles 11 of the cutter part 1 and provided with an insertion hole 121; an insertion post 22 formed on the top end of the short stick-type handle 21 of the tucker part 2, provided with a clamping hole 221, and inserted into the insertion hole 121 of the holder 12; and a clamping bolt 3 mated with the clamping hole 221 for holding the insertion post 22 in the insertion hole 121. In the orthodontic cutter, the tucker part 2 is detachably incorporated with the cutter part 1, being able to perform a rotation movement on its own axis. This invention is allowed to perform two functions, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides several tools that can be used in connection with orthodontic treatment using orthodontic brackets. One of the tools has a first member that engages a notch of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket. The tool also has a second member engaged with the first member and adapted to engage a free end of a locking member in order to disengage the locking member when the first and second members are squeezed toward each other. Another tool has a pair of notches that are adapted to engage an archwire on both sides of a tooth in order to seat an archwire in an archwire slot. In one embodiment, there is provided an instrument having a first end and a second end. The first end has a guiding member having two spaced-apart arms. Each of the arms defines a notch formed thereon capable of engaging an archwire whereby the guiding member can engage an archwire on both sides of a tooth to guide the archwire into an archwire slot of an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: Orthodontic pliers comprised of two asymmetrical components that are subapically and pivotally joined in a first main embodiment. Each of these elongate pieces is irregular in shape, unequal in length and the jaws are asymmetrical jaws relative to each other. The pliers when heated are used for producing or modifying bumps on a thermoplastic retainer. One of the jaws has a throughbore or blind bore for receiving the bump forming end of the other jaw. The jaw with the bump forming end is shorter and curvilinear so that the only part of that jaw that comes in contact with the retainer is the bump forming end. Additionally, the bump forming end may be of different shapes in order to produce different shaped bumps such as ramps, logos, logo pockets, fluoride pockets, bite plates, rectangular shapes for the retention of blocks to be wired, and hooks for elastic banding, depending on the needs of the individual patients. The pliers are heated to a temperature range of approximately 325° F. to 350° F.

Abstract: An orthodontic instrument includes a pair of complementary mating die movable together and apart for forming a Z-shaped bend in an orthodontic arch wire. A Z-shaped bend in an orthodontic arch wire is utilized in conjunction with an orthodontic appliance for applying force to a tooth through a bracket thereon to change its inclination and/or rotation respecting the long axis of the tooth, e.g., to upright an angulated tooth or derotate a rotated tooth. Different embodiments of the instrument are utilized in a sideways or an end-on orientation relative to the arch wire to form a Z-bend therein in situ in a patient's mouth, or may operate on the arch wire outside the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic jig for attaching orthodontic brackets on the teeth is disclosed. The orthodontic jig comprises a housing, a bracket support extending out of the front side of the housing through the back side of the housing, tweezers for gripping the tie wings of the bracket connected to the housing and disposed around the bracket support, a cusp tip reference means for setting the cusp tip of the tooth as the reference surface of the orthodontic position, means for displacing the cusp tip reference plate upward or downward, and a handle connected to the upper and lower surface of housing for supporting the housing.

Abstract: An orthodontic onlay having a mesial and distal sections is debonded from multiple teeth by positioning a plier-type debonding apparatus having a first and a second lever arms pivotally connected for rotation relative to each other and having respectively a first and a second handle portions, a hook extending from said second jaw portion, and a bracing platform pivotally connected to said first jaw portion and facing the hook. The appliance is removed by engaging the hook at the adhesive line of the appliance and the tooth, placing the bracing platform against the occlusal bonded surface of the appliance, pivoting the debonding apparatus clockwise and counterclockwise.

Abstract: A separable pliers having a pair of arms separably hinged together. They may be separated only when the handles are far enough apart. A lip on one handle, and a hook on a bias spring integral with the other handle engage one another to restrain the handles from opening that far unless and until the spring is bent to release the hook from the lip, after which the arms can be separated.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and installing a plurality of orthodontic brackets on a patient's teeth includes an opaque housing having a plurality of spaced slots each adapted to receive a pliers, or tweezers, of the "reverse locking" type, where each pliers engages and supports a respective orthodontic bracket. Attached to the user engaging end, or handle, of each pliers is an opaque silicone cap which facilities gripping the pliers, maintains the pliers securely in position in the housing, and forms an airtight seal about each slot in the housing. Applied to each orthodontic bracket is a light-curable composite bonding material which is maintained in position within a respective slot in spaced relation from the housing. The bracket installer grasps a silicone cap in removing the pliers and orthodontic bracket combination from the housing and affixes the bracket to an intended tooth by means of the bonding material.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant instruments such as those used in medicine and dentistry are efficiently made from raw materials that are difficult to machine. Round bar stock is rolled or otherwise deformed to have flat sides and rounded edges. The parts of the instrument are cut from the flattened bar, by combinations of transverse and longitudinal cuts, so that the rounded edges of the bar define the shape of convexly curved finish surfaces of the instrument. Expensive machining steps are eliminated. An orthodontic pliers is particularly disclosed, made according to the method, by making one or more Z-shaped cuts that preserve the rounded sides to define the outer surfaces of a handle and opposing jaw on each of two plier parts, pivotally joined together.

Abstract: An autoclavable ligation instrument for use in dental or medical applications which includes a ligature gripping tool having a pair of jaws with handle members connected thereto, and a drive mechanism for causing rotational movement of the gripping tool for consequent twisting of opposite ends of a ligature being gripped thereby. The drive mechanism includes a spring biased helically shaped drive shaft which is engaged by a drive follower nut that is connected to the gripping tool, such that activation of the drive mechanism causes the drive follower nut, and consequently the gripping tool, to rotate about the helically shaped drive shaft. The gripping tool includes a releasable locking mechanism for locking the jaws of the gripping tool in their closed position, and the gripping tool and drive mechanism are disassemblable and constructed of an autoclavable material to facilitate sterilization thereof.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided comprising a first member having a first handle opposite a first jaw and a second member having a second handle and a second jaw. The first jaw is longer than the second jaw, and both jaws have inner surfaces. The first member is pivotally connected to the second member such that the first handle opposes the second handle and the first jaw opposes the second jaw. Movement of the first handle and the second handle correspondingly cause movement of the first jaw and the second jaw. The inner surface of one of the jaws is disposed within an acute angle of the centerline of the instrument. The inner surface of the other jaw is disposed at the acute angle from the disposed jaw.

Abstract: The pliers in overall structure resemble conventional orthodontic pliers, but have specialized jaw members adapted to effectuate necessary gingivally directed bends in the distal ends of the arch wire. With reference to an imaginary plane along which the jaw members open and close, a first jaw member projects transversely from this plane and has a free end provided with an angulated, profile facing the longitudinal axis of the pliers. A second jaw member projects transversely to the plane, and has a free end provided with a concave, preferably angulated profile adapted to mate intimately with the convex profile when the jaws are in the closed position. Each of the profiles includes an inner surface closer to the pivot joint of the pliers, oriented perpendicularly to the plane and parallel to the pliers longitudinal axis, and an outer surface farther from the pivot, oriented perpendicularly to the plane and angled obliquely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having mesial and distal sections is debonded from a tooth by pivoting the sections toward each other in respective arcs about a central reference axis extending in an occlusal-gingival direction. The mesial and distal sections are discrete and spaced apart from each other, or alternatively integrally joined by a relatively thin web that bends and optionally fractures upon debonding. A metallic archwire slot liner interconnects the mesial and distal sections and enhances sliding mechanics of the bracket. A pliers-like debonding tool includes jaws with stops for limiting the lingual depth of engagement of the laws with the mesial and distal sides of the bracket, to facilitate pivoting of the mesial and distal sections during debonding.

Abstract: An orthodontic cutter for cutting portions of orthodontic metal ligatures and the like having a pair of ATS-34 stainless steel plier halves, uniformly heat treated to within the range of about RC 57-59, with each plier half being of one piece construction and free of abrupt changes in width along its length, with the width being measured perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of the plier half and the pivot axis. The entire orthodontic cutter is corrosion resistant and holds its edge without fracturing.

Abstract: An orthodontic's hand instrument for installing a lingual bar on the lower arch of a patient's teeth. The hand instrument includes a handle having a first end and a second end with a clamp connected to the second end of the handle. A portion of the clamp extends a distance downwardly from the handle and another portion of the clamp extends a distance back toward the first end of the handle terminating with a clamp end. The clamp is movable to an opened position whereby a portion of the clamp near the clamp end is insertable over a portion of the lingual bar and the clamp is movable to a closed position whereby a portion of the clamp near the clamp end is clampingly closed over a portion of the lingual bar for clampingly holding the lingual bar. The clamp holding the lingual bar is movable into the patient's mouth and lowerable to position the lingual bar near the lingual side of the patient's lower teeth for connecting opposite ends of the lingual bar to the patient's lower teeth.

Abstract: Medical/dental pliers made from titanium based alloy material having jaws for gripping objects with gripping faces which are coated with a hard and wear resistant material of sufficient thickness to be structurally self-supportive when the pliers are used to grip an object which is harder than the titanium based alloy material underlying the coating. The surface of each coating has good gripping characteristics.

Abstract: Plier-like instruments for dental and medical use which can be readily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization and then quickly reassembled for use. No additional tools are needed for assembly and disassembly, and the manipulations are simple motions that may be accomplished even under sterile conditions wearing surgical gloves. The handles are spread apart to disengage circular segments of locking ribs on one handle with circular segments of channel and retaining lips on the other handle. A piloting shaft equipped with expanding spring ring maintains smooth, aligned operation of the instruments. There are no loose parts to manipulate in assembly or disassembly, and no additional tools are required.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an adhesively bonded ceramic orthodontic bracket from a tooth to which it is secured includes a body portion which has a handle and a head portion. Bracket engaging jaws are disposed within the head portion. The jaws may be opened and closed to engage and disengage the bracket. A laser generator creates a laser beam which passes through a guide tube and through a discharge end of the guide tube which is positioned in spaced relationship with respect to the bracket. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A separable hinged orthodontic, dental tool that includes a pair of scissor halves, each half having a handle portion, a nose portion and a substantially identical hinge portion, each hinge portion including at least one female mating section and one male mating section for engagement with a corresponding male and female mating section, respectively, on the other scissor half.

Abstract: A tool for crimping a substantially straight filing shaft of an endodontic file comprising a device having a first and a second jaw for being urged toward nesting engagement and for forming the bends of the shaft inserted between the jaws, the first jaw having a first crimp forming surface having a convex arch-shaped ridge and the second jaw having a concave arch-shaped cavity opposite the ridge.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose wire shaping and cutting tool wherein the two levers are connected to each other by a pivot between the jaws and the handles. The confronting sides of the handles are formed with complementary elongated male and female corrugating elements which extend radially of the pivot axis, and one of the handles has a wireholding hook-shaped member and a disc-shaped guide with a grooved peripheral surface for a length of wire. The other handle has a hole which is parallel to the pivot axis and registers with a socket of the guide member when the jaws of the two levers are adjacent each other. One of the jaws has a female bending portion with a groove extending in parallelism with the pivot axis, and the other jaw has a male bending portion with a rib which is received in the groove, with a certain amount of play, when the jaws are adjacent each other.

Abstract: A cross-over type tweezer is disclosed for use in orthodontic work and other areas where a small item must be held securely and precisely. The tweezer includes a gripping jaw with members formed transversely to the main axis of the tweezers to assist in holding small items such as orthodontic braces.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic debonding instrument has jaws that may be opened to place jaw tips over mesial and distal sides of the bracket, and then closed to enhance the grip of the jaws on the bracket sides. An actuator is moveable along the length of a handle of the instrument, and cooperates with a lever arm fixed to the moveable jaw to facilitate precise movement of the latter and enhance the grip of the jaws on the bracket when the jaws are closed. A slight, quick pivotal movement of the instrument handle by the user presents a torsional force to the bracket base which is particularly advantageous when debonding ceramic orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: A shield for use with a pair of orthodontic pliers in removing an orthodontic bracket. The shield fits snuggly onto one jaw of the pliers and provides side walls adjacent the plier jaws. The jaws have a recess near their distal end such that the confronting surfaces of the jaw recesses and the confronting surfaces of the side walls provide an enclosure about a bracket while it is being removed so that if it fractures the enclosure will contain any pieces that may break off the bracket.

Abstract: A head (9) projecting from the end of a rod body (1') or from the apex of a flat trifurcated quadrant body (1) has an offset fixed prong (10) projecting from its end which is crossed by a movable prong (22) carried by a rocker (20) mounted on the head and tiltable to alter the spacing between the prongs. The tip portions (13 and 25) of the prongs have notches (14 and 26) facing away from each other to hold a ligature ring (37) in stretched condition for application to the wings (44 and 45) of an orthodontic tooth bracket (39). The tip portions of the prongs are canted relative to the prong shanks to be disposed in parallel planes and a line passing through the notches is at an angle to one edge of the body. The notch (26) in the movable prong (22) is deeper than the notch (14) in the stationary prong (10) and the portion of the shallower notch (14) adjacent to the tip of the prong forms the prong tip as a probe.

Abstract: A tartar remover, particularly useful for removing gross tartar deposits from the teeth of dogs and cats, includes first and second elongate members mounted to another at a central pivot. The elongate members include handles on one side of the pivot and jaws on the other side of the pivot. The first jaw tip has a transversely oriented cutting edge with sharp corners to engage the gross tartar deposits. The length of the second jaw, measured from the pivot to the tip of the jaw, is about 3 mm longer than the length of the first jaw. The tartar remover is used by first placing the inner surface of the second jaw against the tip of a tooth. The cutting edge of the first jaw is then positioned under the gross tartar deposit so that when the handles are squeezed, the tartar is cracked off the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic plier with opposed jaw portions that can be moved toward one another in a substantially straight-line motion to pry a removable cap off a convertible buccal tube without exerting a twisting force on the tooth and without an exposed tip that can slip and damage soft mouth tissue is disclosed. One jaw portion has a pointed tip that can be inserted into one end of the buccal tube and the other jaw portion has a flat surface for bracing the other end of the buccal tube and a notch therein for receiving the pointed tip of the other jaw portion.

Abstract: A tool in the form of specially constructed pliers for removing orthodontic brackets and tubes which have been adhesively bonded to the lingual surfaces of the anterior and/or posterior teeth for orthodontic treatment. The tool is equipped with a catch having a tip which fits under the edge of the bracket or tube to be removed, and a head which engages the top of the tooth on which the bracket or tube is bonded, and handles are provided respectively connected to the head and tip and which are pivotally coupled to a bracket to turn about respective spaced pivot axes, so that when the handles are squeezed together against a spring-bias the bonded bracket or tube is removed from the lingual surface of the tooth without any tendency to torque the tooth during the process.

Abstract: A bracket remover tool for orthodontic work having a lower beak for positioning alongside the base of a bracket and bearing against the surface of the tooth to which the bracket is applied and an upper beak for engaging the bracket whereby separation of the beaks will apply force to the bracket for its removal without applying twisting forces to the tooth. The lower beak may be bifurcated and the upper beak is positioned inside the bifurcations and adjacent to one of the bifurcations. Both beaks are laterally offset with respect to the centerlines of the tool.

Abstract: A pistol grip has twin abutments projecting in parallel relationship and spaced apart to straddle an orthodontic bracket attached to a tooth and to engage the tooth at opposite sides of the bracket. A swing handle pivoted to the pistol grip carries a pull wire extending between the abutments such pull wire has a loop for hooking a wing of the orthodontic bracket. The handle can be pulled toward the pistol grip to draw the pull wire toward the pistol grip for pressing the abutments against the tooth and simultaneously pulling the bracket off the tooth. During such pulling, constriction of the arch wire slot in the bracket is prevented by fitting in such slot a spacer hook of a tenaculum.

Abstract: A tool in the form of specially constructed pliers for removing orthodontic appliances which have been adhesively bonded to the lingual surfaces of the anterior and/or posterior teeth for orthodontic treatment. The tool is equipped with a spring-loaded pivoted catch having a tip which fits under the edge of the appliance to be removed, and a head having a depending post which is inserted between the base of the appliance and the surface of the tooth to which the appliance is bonded, and handles are provided respectively connected to the head and tip and which are pivotally coupled to a bracket to turn about respective spaced pivot axes, so that when the handles are squeezed together against a spring-bias the bonded appliance is stripped from the lingual surface of the tooth without any tendency to torque the tooth during the process.

Abstract: An applicator tool for dispensing and clamping individual loops in an orthodontic loop chain which is composed of a series of elastomeric loops connected by breakaway isthmuses. The tool includes a pair of loop-gripping tips adapted for clamping an end loop in the chain in a manner permitting the clamped loop to be placed on an orthodontic tooth appliance, to secure an archwire thereto. A constriction zone formed in the tool, adjacent the loop-gripping tips, functions to restrain the chain at positions where successive end loops are placed for clamping between the tool tips. The chain is advanced in the tool, in a loop-by-loop manner, by exerting a force on the chain in a downstream direction, to pull a restrained chain loop through the constriction zone by reversible loop elongation. The force required to advance the chain by one loop is less than that required to break an isthmus in the chain.

Abstract: This patent describes a new orthodontic instrument to be used for tying or twisting the ligature wires used to hold the arch wire to the bracket. It also explains the method of use which consists of: twisting the wires, after the ligature wire has been placed on the bracket; tucking the twisted end out of the way; and then breaking the end at the tip of the instrument. The instrument replaces three instruments normally used, by improvements in jaw design to facilitate grasping and centering the wires for spinning, balancing the instrument by general symmetry, and the addition of an extension handle to allow rapid spinning, and tucking of the wire ends as they are broken in a controlled manner, and at a specific place. The instrument thus simplifies, speeds and further improves the application of ligature wires.

Abstract: An applicator tool for use in attaching elastomeric orthodontic loops to orthodontic tooth appliances. The tool includes a pair of pivotal clamping arms having a pair of loop-gripping tips for clamping a loop in a manner permitting attachment of the clamped loop to a tooth appliance. One of the arms has a tapered end portion for holding a stack of such loops for sliding of successive end loops in the stack in a downstream direction. A loop-feed claw mounted on the other arm is adapted first to climb over, and then to engage the upstream side of, an end loop in the loop stack, when the arms are opened, and to place the engaged loop in a position for operative clamping, when the arms are closed.

Abstract: A sonic apparatus for bonding an orthodontic bracket to a tooth, comprising a pincer-type element having arms for holding the bracket and an attached sonic transmission line for applying a sonic frequency to the bracket through the arms of the pincer element.

Abstract: A mechanical device for holding elastic articles comprising a pair of circlips pliers having a set of primary jaws and a set of handles. The primary jaws are adapted to open when the handles are squeezed together. The pliers further comprise a set of secondary jaws, each of the secondary jaws being arranged on a corresponding primary jaw and being spaced from the primary jaws so as to hold the elastic articles.

Abstract: A tool in the form of specially constructed plyers for removing orthodontic brackets and tubes which have been adhesively bonded to the labial, buccal or lingual surfaces of the anterior and/or posterior teeth for orthodontic treatment. The tool is equipped with a spring-loaded catch having a tip which fits under the edge of the bracket, and with a head which engages the top of the tooth, so that when the handles of the tool are squeezed together the bonded bracket is removed from the surface of the tooth without any tendency to torque the tooth during the process.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an orthodontic O-ring assembly which comprises a plurality of orthodontic O-rings integrally molded to a core which can be readily wrapped about an orthodontist's hand and the respective O-rings being individually dispensed by a ligator. The ligator comprises a tool having relatively moveable jaws which are sized so as to be received within the internal diameter of the O-ring in the closed position and thereafter moved to an open or expanded position to effect the stretching of the O-ring to be dispensed, thereby causing the O-ring to separate from its core at a frangible point. In a modified form of the invention, the ligator may be provided with a lock to maintain the ligator in the open jaw position.

Abstract: A method and means for the fixation and immobilization of a patient's jaws for use in the oral surgery art. An arch bar is disposed around the exterior of a patient's teeth, either the lower or upper teeth, in accordance with the particular oral surgery problem to be solved. The arch bar is a flat strip of soft stainless steel which is secured to the teeth by a plurality of arch wires. Each of the arch wires is disposed between two adjacent teeth, and it has a knob on the inner end for fitting against the lingual-gingival embrasure of two adjacent teeth. Each arch wire has a number of spaced apart beads of varying diameter which are adapted to pass through an opening in the arch bar in only one direction so as to secure the arch bar to the outer side of the teeth. A special cutting pliers is provided for cutting off the excess length of an arch wire after it is secured to an arch bar. An arch bar and securing wires can be used on each of the upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: Force-transmitting means serve to exert a correcting force on at least one tooth of a patient and comprise an elongated first element and at least one second element. At least one clamping sleeve resiliently clamps itself on said first element and engages said second element and has a radially inwardly tapering longitudinal slot, which is adapted to receive an implement which is operable to widen said slot so that said clamping sleeve is slidable along said first element.

Abstract: A pliers having a pair of jaw members each of which includes a pair of positioning legs for placing, removing and crimping light wire pins and other light wire devices. The jaws include a pair of transverse mating grooves, one in each jaw member adjacent the positioning legs and a longitudinal slot completely through the upper jaw member and partially through the lower jaw member, and a trough adjacent the partial slot in the lower jaw member for loosely receiving the spring coils of various light wire devices while the legs of the devices pass through the mating grooves of the jaw members.

Abstract: An orthodontic tool for placing and measuring bends or twists in orthodontic arch wires, or the like, in order to place potential torquing forces in the wire, comprises first and second engaging means for engaging an elongated wire on respective opposite surfaces of the wire, one of the engaging means carrying an indicator member with a scale thereon and the other of the engaging means carrying a pointer. When the two engaging means are placed together and twisted around the arch wire, the pointer will indicate the exact degree of twist being placed in the wire on the indicating scale. The engaging means may comprise pliers, keyed members, or the like. Preferably, the scale is interposed between the engaging means to provide a bending space between the engaging means to prevent weakening of the wire when it is twisted. Also disclosed is a tool for bending orthodontic arch wires to provide second order bends.