Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning system for an orthodontic outer brace, comprising resilient means, and coupling means for transmitting a tensile force exerted by the resilient means to the outer brace. The resilient means comprise a resilient element. The tensioning system comprises an arc-shaped guide path, along which the resilient element is freely movable. Coupling means can be fixed on one side to the outer brace and are connected to one another on the other side via the resilient element, in such a way that the resilient element moves along the guide path when the patient turns his or her head. The guide path can comprise a tube or an arc-shaped strip of metal or can be formed in some other way. Preferably, the guide path is so flexible that the arc shape thereof can be adjusted to the curvature of the patient's neck. The resilient element preferably has a spring constant which decreases or is zero on further extension after a specific spring force or extension is reached.

Abstract: A device for applying a force to an orthodontic apparatus in such a manner as to allow a patient or his orthodontist to adjust the force and for recording the force as a function of the time the apparatus is actually worn. In the device, two similar compression springs are arrayed in parallel with one end of each spring pushing against a movable saddle disposed distal from the patient's jaw. The opposite end of each spring abuts a stop which together with the springs and saddle is housed within a case. Belts which extend around the user's head and/or neck hold the case as well as the stop housed therein in fixed position during use. After the device is placed on the patient, the extension of each spring can be adjusted by repositioning the stop. The movable saddle, on the other hand, is fastened to one end of a strap connected to the orthodontic apparatus. Pulling the strap further compresses the two springs between the saddle and the stop.

Abstract: An orthodontic coil spring to be used within an extraoral orthodontic appliance where the coil spring is made of a superelastic, shape-memory alloy wire. The coil spring is to impart a substantially constant force over the entire range of deflection. The level of force is to be between 375 to 800 grams.

Abstract: A medical/dental apparatus utilizing the properties of shape memory materials to variably control the spatial relationship between two or more elements having portions which are proximately disposed and overlapping relative to one another. Another portion of each element is connectable to part of a patient's body.

Abstract: Connecting module for an orthodontic treatment device, consisting of a flat housing with a bow resiliently latched thereto for the attachment to a head harness and a flat fastening band for the attachment to a face bow, the one end of which comprising a flat slide bar section, projecting through an opening in the housing into same, and being held there by means of a helical pressure spring which is located between the free end of the bar slide section and an abutment in the housing, the outer diameter of the helical pressure spring being larger than the thickness of the slide bar section, which may be partially pulled out of the housing against the bias of the helical pressure spring. The slide bar section has an opening extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, with the helical pressure spring being disposed between the axial ends thereof.

Abstract: Safety device for an orthodontic apparatus including an inner arch having ends that engage rings fixed on the molars and an outer arch having ends that are hooked. to elastic bands fixed to an occipital system. The arch assembly is made up of two thin and integral metal tubes intersecting in front of the wearer's mouth. Inside the metal tubes, flexible metal wires of high strength slide. One connects the left elastic band to the right molar and the other connects the right elastic band to the left molar. The inner ends of the two wires remain latched to the teeth until the elastic bands are detached.

Abstract: A face bow wherein injection-molded plastic is used to form the joint between an outer bow and an inner arch. The outer bow also contains a plastic coating that provides a desired color other than that of bare metal which it covers. A clear-coat layer may also be applied over the colored layer. The plastic coating of the outer bow and the injection-molded plastic that forms the joint may have the same color.

Abstract: An orthodontic headgear assembly which incorporates at least one magnetic release mechanism. In one embodiment, the headgear assembly generally includes an inner bow, an outer bow interconnected with the inner bow, a mechanism for generating and applying a force to the ends of the outer bow which is thus transferred to the patient's teeth, and a magnetic release mechanism which is positioned between each end of the outer bow and the force generating mechanism. When a given magnetic release mechanism is subjected to a force of a predetermined magnitude, the mechanism disconnects adjacent portions of the headgear assembly to reduce the potential for the adverse effects on the patient due to snapback of the outer and/or inner bow when at least a portion of the force is removed from the headgear assembly.

Abstract: A breakaway device for orthodontic traction appliances comprising a case having a spring clasp therein for releasably clasping a coupling member, the coupling member separating from the clasp when subjected to pull exceeding a predetermined value, with an adjustment for the clasp to adjust its grip on the coupling member for adjusting the breakaway pull.

Abstract: A medical apparatus to be worn in the mouth comprises a battery-fed measuring unit (15) including a clock generator (18) and a counter (20) for counting the pulses of the clock generator. Accuracy of the time measurement decisively depends on the precision of the oscillating frequency of the clock generator. In the invention, there is used a clock generator (18) wherein frequency precision is low. When the counted value of the counter (20) is read into an external evaluating unit, the measuring unit supplies a reference time required by the clock generator (18) for generating a number of pulses. The evaluating unit calculates the time corresponding to the counted value under consideration of the length of the reference time. Thus, the evaluating unit measures the cycle length of the pulses of the clock generator, and this cycle length is multiplied by the number of the counted clock pulses. In this manner, time measurement is performed in a precise manner without requiring a highly precise clock generator.

Abstract: One or more pads adapted to be secured between an orthodontic appliance and the cheeks. The pads have an interior side and exterior side, the exterior side having means to secure the pad to the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: An anatomical head-worn device is provided in the form of a bill cap, also known as a baseball cap. The cap includes one or more tension-device anchors for accommodating the attachment of orthodontic tension-applying devices used to direct tension force to selected parts of the head and mouth. The orthodontic forces are reacted against the head via the cap. The cap, when fitted snugly on the head, serves as a stable force base for applying forces in different directions on each side of the head. In one embodiment, tension-device anchors are mounted on the sides of the dome of the cap. In another embodiment, a downwardly-depending arm is supported on the bill of the cap. The arm extends in front of the face, and provides an anchor point for the application of protractive orthodontic foces.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for applying an anterior traction to a jaw of a patient is disclosed. The appliance includes a strap assembly which is secured against movement to the upper portion of the patient's head. A pair of side pieces are secured to and depend downwardly from opposite sides of the strap so that a lower end of each side piece is positioned adjacent a cheek of the patient. A U-shaped bar is secured to the lower portions of the side pieces so that the bar extends in front of the patient's mouth. Resilient members, such as rubber bands, that extend between the U-shaped bar and the patient's jaw to impose an anterior traction on the patient's jaw. The anterior force imposed on a patient's jaw is offset by an equal and opposite posterior force transmitted solely to the upper portion of the patient's head through the bar, side pieces and the strap assembly.

Abstract: A molar tube appliance including a molar or buccal tube for mounting on a molar and for receiving a lip bumper or a face bow, wherein the tube has a flared opening with the larger end of the opening being at the mesial end. The opening is structured to enhance insertion of the lip bumper or face bow by the patient particularly where the molar is adversely rotated.

Abstract: A tension applying mechanism is disclosed for operative interposition between an end of an orthodontic facebow and an adjacent end of a headstrap for holding the facebow. The mechanism includes a body securable to the adjacent end of the headstrap, an elongated strap held by the body, and indications along at least one of the longitudinal edges of the strap. The strap has a plurality of holes spaced from each other in a direction of elongation of the strap. The indications help a user distinguish one hole from the other to enable recognition of which hole the end of the orthodontic facebow is to be inserted. The indications are spaced from each other in correspondence with at least some of the holes. The indications are physically different in configuration from the longitudinal edges and may be projections or notches.

Abstract: An unacceptable coin removing apparatus for a coin handling machine having a rotatable disk for receiving deposited coins, an annular guide provided on the periphery of the rotatable disk and formed with an opening, a coin sorting passage connected to the opening downstream thereof, a pair of guide plates provided for the coin sorting passage, the space between the pair of guide plates being adjustable and the pair of guide plates being capable of supporting a predetermined denomination of coins in accordance with the space therebetween, a coin collecting opening provided below the pair of guide plates, a coin transporting belt provided in the coin sorting passage for transporting coins by contacting the upper faces of coins in the coin sorting passage, a drive motor for driving the rotatable disk and the coin transporting belt and a sensor provided downstream of the coin collecting opening in the coin sorting passage for detecting the characteristics of the coins, the unacceptable coin removing apparatus fur

Abstract: An orthdontic/facial orthopedic appliance for use in applying a pulling force to select teeth, the associated arch, and or jaw component(s) for moving/modifying and positioning the same. The appliance includes a frame supported primarily on the forward cranial portions of the patient's head and shaped to outline the area of the patient's face lateral to the forehead, eyes, nose and mouth, doe not apply force to the temporo-mandibular joint and is stationary against the face during lower jaw movement. The pulling force is in the form of elastic elements connected at one end to a member fixed to the frame and extending therefrom in a manner to be forward of the patient's mouth when the appliance is in a position of use, and at the other end thereof to selected teeth of the patient such that the pulling force pulls the selected teeth, associated arch, and/or upper jaw component(s) in a direction toward the frame.

Abstract: A muscular expansion bumper appliance is optionally removable from a patient's mouth and includes a wire form member formed in a U-shape with the free ends which may be removably secured to buccal tubes. The wire form member supports at least one side pad which overlies one or both of the upper or lower posterior teeth to hold the user's cheeks away from those teeth to permit lateral posterior expansion. The side pads are formed by plate members secured to the wire form member covered with a plastic material. The plastic material can be trimmed to custom fit the appliance to the user and the appliance comes in varying sizes.

Abstract: An extraoral orthodontic force applying appliance defining an encircling assembly to be located about the head of the wearer which includes a single release mechanism incorporated at the nape of the wearer which will separate the encircling assembly upon the encircling assembly incurring an unusual force tending to enlarge the enclosed area of the encircling assembly. This release mechanism can be also purposely manually operated by the wearer for connection and disconnection. The encircling assembly can be collapsed when not in use to facilitate storage and portability.

Abstract: A dental intrusion device for intruding one or more teeth of a dental arch. Plural embodiments of the device are disclosed within the generic context of an intra-oral structure operatively related to the arch, an extra-oral structure, and a force-creating mechanism extending between the intra- and extra-oral structures. The co-action of these components results in intrusion forces being developed on teeth which are to be intruded. Various features within the generic aspect of the invention relate to particular forms of force-applying mechanism, particular forms of intra-oral structures and particular forms of extra-oral structures.

Abstract: A muscular expansion bumper appliance is optionally removable from a patient's mouth and includes a wire form member formed in a U-shape with the free ends which may be removably secured to buccal tubes. The wire form member supports at least one side pad which overlies one or both of the upper or lower posterior teeth to hold the user's cheeks away from those teeth to permit lateral posterior expansion. The side pads can be trimmed to custom fit the appliance to the user and the appliance comes in varying sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity. A clock generates clock pulses and a mechanism, such as a magnetic switch and magnet, is provided for detecting the performance of the desired activity and generating a detection signal when such activity is performed. A logic array is responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal. In one form, the logic array is operable in response to the clock pulses to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, and during the active time period, the logic array is operable to generate an electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal. In the dormant period, the logic array will not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the presence or absence of the detection signal.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow in which the outer bow is coupled firmly but separably to the inner bow by magnetic means and the inner bow is coupled to opposite molars in the mouth of the patient by a combination of mechanical and magnetic means, all to the end that, at a predetermined force the outer bow will separate from the inner bow and, at a higher force, the inner bow may be removed from the mouth of the patient so that prevention of injury to the patient by the inner bow may be prevented.

Abstract: A breakaway orthodontic traction appliance which applies traction to the teeth via tension devices comprising straps inserted in clasps having grippers for gripping the straps, the grippers opening up for pull-out of the straps from the clasps on pull on the straps exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An orthodontic headgear for preventing injuries to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment having an inner orthodontic bow adapted to be secured to braces and an outer orthodontic bow integrally bound to the inner orthodontic bow and formed with a pair of arms terminating into a pair of arm ends. A pair of safety hooks is connected removably to the pair of arm ends respectively. A safety line is bound to each of the pair of safety hooks. A method for preventing injuries to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with the orthodontic headgear comprising binding the pair of safety hooks to the ends of the safety line; and securing removably respectively to the pair of arm ends the pair of safety hooks in order to limit the distance the outer bow and the inner bow can be displaced forward to prevent the ends of the inner bow from possibly puncturing the eyes of the patient, or other injuries.

Abstract: A force-producing connector connecting a force reaction orthodontic headcap or neckstrap and a J-hook for applying a force to a wearer's jaw includes a slide carrying a force-producing spring and guided for movement lengthwise of an elongated sidepiece base. The elongated base has a row of slots extending lengthwise of it selectively engageable by the toe of a pawl pivoted on the slide, which pawl can be held in locking position by a latch including an aperture in the pawl engageable with a catch on a post carried by the slide over which the pawl aperture can be moved.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprising a generally U-shaped wire face bow having rearwardly facing arms terminating in hooked ends, an elastic headband connected between opposite ends of the face bow for applying tension to the arms of the face bow, and a pair of plastic wire connectors, one of which is connected between one end of the headband and a corresponding end of the face bow. Each of the connectors is formed of a single molded plastic piece and shaped so as to make a snap-fit connection around the wire of one of the hooked ends of the face bow.

Abstract: A method of exercise utilizing a jaw exercise device specifically configured to exercise the muscles of mastication and their auxiliaries comprising an upper head band having two pair of fastening members extending outwardly from the side surface thereof, a chin strap having an attachment member attached to opposite ends thereof and a pair of elastic coupling members to interconnect the two pair of fastening members to the corresponding attachment members such that the upper head band is secured to the upper portion of the user's head and the chin strap is placed on the user's chin whereby each attachment member is coupled to the corresponding fastening member to attach the chin strap to the head band securing the jaw exercise device to the user's head and jaw whereby the user exercises the muscles of mastication and their auxiliaries by repetitively opening and closing his/her jaw.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance comprising a low pull and/or a high pull, which low pull preferably extends through and is slidable in a guide sleeve of a nape pad, and the low pull and/or the high pull are provided at each end with a series of holes for a selective connection to spring elements connected to bow means. The novel orthodontic appliance is simpler, less bulky and less conspicuous. This is accomplished in that elastically stretchable flat strips of plastic material are provided at one end with an eyelet for connection to the low pull and/or the high pull at the series of holes and at the other end with an eyelet for connection to the bow means. That arrangement provides a pulling device which is flat rather than bulky and can easily be connected and which is convenient for the patient and can be made to have the color of the skin so that it is less conspicuous.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic appliance of the type generally referred to as headgear, for applying a force to a tooth to move the tooth bodily and/or rotationally, and for pushing outward the cheek to encourage spontaneous jaw growth. The appliance comprises an outer bow intended to be retained adjacent the user's face by a neck strap and an inner bow attached to the outer bow intended to fit within the user's mouth proximate to his cheeks. The inner bow includes left and right activating arms, which arms include shoulder portions to push the cheeks outwardly, and which arms also include noncircular engagement means adapted to fit snugly within tubes fixed to a left and a right rear tooth. The activating arms are formable and sufficiently resilient that they can be selectively deformed to apply a force to the teeth to achieve the desired movement.

Abstract: An anterior traction myotatic chin strap treats mandibular retrognathism by exciting the myotatic reflex action of mandibular advance, thereby producing the best conditions to stimulate the forward growth of the mandible to a maximum, this being the first objective in the treatment of mandibular retrognathism or Skeletal Class II Malocclusion, in which a poor mandibular growth in relation to the growth of the upper maxilla in the anteroposterior direction, is produced.

Abstract: A connector for orthodontic headgear includes a casing for a helical compression spring one end of which engages the head of a rod extending through the spring. The other end of the spring engages a sleeve supported in an aperture in the end of the casing. Such casing aperture has a straight chordal portion and the sleeve has axially spaced circumferential flanges with chordally truncated portions for enabling the sleeve to be moved axially relative to the casing flange when in one rotative position for adjusting the spring force and rotatively adjustable relative to the casing flange to hold the sleeve in a selected adjusted position. The connection is disconnectible by providing a metal clip securable to a headcap having legs engageable in grooves in the casing.

Abstract: A connector for orthodontic headgear includes a casing for a helical compression spring one end of which engages the head of a rod extending through the spring and through a sleeve which engages the other end of the spring. The sleeve is supported in an aperture in the end of the casing and is adjustable axially relative to the casing for adjusting the spring force. The connection is disconnectible by providing a metal clip securable to a headcap having legs engageable in grooves in the casing.

Abstract: An orthodontic device for providing a removable anchorage for elastic traction between upper and lower molars. A smaller-diameter wire having a free posterior end and a larger-diameter wire having a posterior end lying anteriorly to the posterior end of the smaller-diameter wire are connected together well anterior of their posterior ends. At least one wire has stop means thereon spaced from its posterior end, while a short hook depends from at least one wire adjacent to its anterior end. In installation the device is used in conjuction with a first metal band suitable for attachment around an upper molar and having two buccal tubes, namely a larger-diameter tube and a smaller-diameter tube in which are inserted the two wires. A second metal band encircles a lower molar corresponding to the upper molar and has band anchor means on its buccal side. An elastic band joins the anchor means to the hook.

Abstract: A concealed, resilient and flexible mouth splint for placing in the mouth of an individual around the upper maxillary posterior teeth to affect the tension of the masticator muscles of the individual is disclosed. The device comprises a right channel (22) and a left channel (24) for fitting over the left first molar and the right first molar, respectively. The top side (30A, 30B) of each channel member is molded to conform with the biting surface of the first molars, and each of the left and right channel members (22, 24) are molded to conform to the interior and exterior lateral surface of the first molar. This is a molded palate member (20) which arches between and integrally joins the two channel members, and which conforms with the roof of the mouth of an individual wearing this splint. The biting portion (28A, 28B) includes sufficient material such that the front upper teeth and the front lower teeth are maintained between two (2) and seven (7) millimeters.

Abstract: The invention is apparatus for the orthodontic treatment of teeth for the correction of malocclusion. The apparatus combines a traction system consisting of a face bow provided with a labial hook (14) whereby an elastic traction member (20) can be attached to an attachment means in the form of a hook (19) provided on the other of two dental arches. The face bow has an outer bow (11) to which elastic traction members (13) can be connected to a headcap or the like. The invention also incorporates at least two cooperating angled bite blocks (17,21), said bite blocks being located in upper and lower dental arches respectively. The bite blocks (17,21) act to promote mandibular displacement between the upper and lower dental arches.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprises a face bow member which includes generally diverging outer arms adapted for connection to an orthodontic headpiece and inner arms extending between the outer arms and adapted to project into the mouth of the user. A stem member is rotationally connected with each of the inner arms and is biased toward a given rotational position. An annular collar adapted for engagement with a tooth is removably connected on each of the stem members so that rotation of each stem member is transmitted into arcuate movement of the associated collar. When the collars are engaged on the teeth, the stem members are each located out of their normally biased position, so that the biasing force serves to arcuately move the collar.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow lever arm for applying torque to a lingual or palatal side orthodontic appliance comprising a rigid (e.g., hard acrylic) tray with an inner softer surface (e.g., thermoplastic) contoured to act as a cushioned fulcrum pivoting about the teeth wherein a pair of wire lever arms are embedded in the rigid hard acrylic portion. The intraoral extension of the wire lever arms terminate in a hook that fits between the teeth and the archwire of the lingual orthodontic appliance while the extraoral extension of the wire lever arms project outwardly and upwardly terminating in a second set of hooks which attach elastically to a conventional high pull orthodontic headgear. Such a face bow is particularly useful in applying a lever arm torque effect to the lingual appliance, thus forcing the root of the tooth rearward (i.e., tooth root tips back).

Abstract: An improved orthodontic face bow is disclosed. The face bow includes first and second bow-shaped members. The first bow-shaped member is worn inside the mouth and has means for attachment to the teeth to be displaced distally. The second bow-shaped member is worn extra-orally and has means for attachment to a tension-applying means such as an elastic strap worn around the neck or head. The first and second bow-shaped members have means for removably coupling the two bow-shaped members together. This feature allows the second outer bow-shaped member to be uncoupled from the first bow-shaped member without removing the first inner bow-shaped member from the mouth, thus making the face bow much safer than known face bows of one piece construction.

Abstract: A positive-separation, orthodontic, face-bow/mouth-bow mechanism, wherein a spring device effects sure separation of a disengageable face-bow and mouth-bow under circumstances when, during normal usage, compression transmission through these devices relaxes.

Abstract: Multiple purpose orthodontic appliances for correcting the malocclusion of teeth in all planes; correcting jaw discrepancies in all planes of space; stimulating maximum development of dental arches; orthopedically widening the upper jaw bone; and stimulating development of the orofacial musculature and a method of employing the applicances includes the utilization of a face bow with suitable plastic shields affixed thereto to provide orthopedic treatment as well as the usual orthodontic correction provided by the face bow itself. The face bow includes interconnected outer and an inner arch wires and in one form, the shield is positioned in the anterior area of the inner arch wires so as to provide labial or anterior pressure on the lip muscles. In a second form, the shields are disposed along the sides of the inner arch wires to provide buccal or lateral influence on the cheek muscles.

Abstract: A facebow for use in orthodontic procedures is provided with relatively universal adjustability to permit use of a single size of facebow in mouths of a variety of different sizes and further facilitating selective unilateral movement. To this end, the facebow is formed with a conventional outer bow for securement to a cervical elastic strap or head gear; and an inner bow contoured to fit into the mouth of the patient along the dental arch, preferably approximating the molars. The inner bow is secured to the outer bow, and the inner bow is formed with at least a pair of mesial loops arranged to lie along the surface of the teeth over which the inner bow is positioned.

Abstract: A buttressed or augmented neck strap is used and comprises a wedge-shaped portion on one side of the neck strap. The strap includes a resilient strap connected by the outer ends thereof to the ends of an outer facial bow which has an inner dental bow connected thereto so that the force on the side that includes the wedge is applied to the same side of the facial bow and hence to the inner bow, offset from the tangent of the neck of the patient thus giving the desired differential force without undesirable side effects being produced.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic face-bow and method for preventing eye and facial injuries. The face-bow applies force to a patient's teeth through an orthodontic arch wire fixed to the patient's teeth. The face-bow comprises a frame having a pair of rearwardly extending arms each terminating in hooks at their rear ends and in a central frame portion at their forward ends. Rearwardly or upwardly extending spaced levers with forked ends are secured to the frame adjacent. The levers are removably connected to the arch wire. The face-bow includes an auxiliary arch wire secured to the frame adjacent the central frame portion. The auxiliary arch wire comprises auxiliary arms extending rearwardly from the central frame portion. The ends of the auxiliary arms are removably positioned in association with a buccal tube fixed to a molar. The auxiliary arch wire prevents accidental removal of the face-bow from a patient's mouth, thereby to prevent eye and facial injuries.

Abstract: An extraoral force-reaction device engageable with the wearer's head and/or neck, such as a headcap or a neckband, is connected to an intraoral force-applying device, such as molar bands, by helical spring force-producing means. Snapback of the force-applying means is controlled in response to stressing of the force-producing means beyond a predetermined maximum degree of force exerted by the force-producing means. Snapback control is effected by disconnectible connection means which can be disconnected to interrupt the application to the intraoral means of force capable of moving such intraoral means. The force to be exerted by the spring force-producing means can be readily adjustable in predetermined increments, such as by engaging a spring end hook selectively with any anchor post of several posts arranged in a row lengthwise of the spring.

Abstract: A facebow swivel is mounted to the bent distal end of an inner bow of a facebow. The swivel includes a pivot mount and an L-shaped pivot member. The pivot mount includes a pair of short parallel tube segments attached along their outer surfaces. One leg of the L-shaped swivel member is pivotally mounted within one of the tubes. The swivel is mounted to the bent distal end of the inner bow by inserting the distal end into the other tube. The swivel is then secured to the distal end, such as by crimping the tube onto the distal end.

Abstract: An orthodontic headgear appliance having a safety system which includes force-adjusting mechanism for the headgear tensioning apparatus, a system for selectively setting limits for travel of the facebow during orthodontic treatment and a disconnecting system for disconnecting the facebow from the headgear tensioning apparatus when a forward force on the facebow exceeding a predetermined value continues to be applied after the travel limit is reached.

Abstract: Strapping comprising first and second straps each having inner and outer faces, the straps being adapted to be placed in lapped face-to-face relation with the inner face of one strap engaging the outer face of the other strap. Fabric fastening material is provided on the engaging faces of the straps comprising a multiplicity of fastening elements projecting from one strap and a plush-like surface on the other interengageable with the fastening elements for securing the straps together. A loop on one of the straps at the lapped portion thereof releasably holds the straps together in face-to-face relation to maintain the fastening elements in interengagement with the plush-like surface. The fastening elements and plush-like surface are adapted to be separated for enabling relative longitudinal movement of the straps by inserting an elongate blade between the lapped portions of the straps.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is provided which applies a vibrational force to the tooth to be moved, rather than a continuous force as is the case with the usual prior art devices. The invention is predicated on the concept that when vibrational forces are applied to the tooth, there is little or no hyalinization and consequently more cellular activity giving rise to more oesteoclasts for bone resorption and more oesteoblasts for bone apposition. Moreover, the vibrational effect of the tooth on the adjacent periodontal membrane and bone tends to loosen their fibrous structure, and helps the tooth to find a path of least resistance through the bone. In the assembly of the present invention, the vibrational effect is produced by a radio and speaker mounted on an orthodontic appliance, or directly on the tooth, in response to radio waves transmitted by an adjacent radio transmitter.

Abstract: An extraoral anchorage device for imparting orthopedic force to teeth is provided which comprises outer bows for transmitting an external force to teeth and inner bows for transmitting the force delivered by the outer bows to buccal tubes respectively fixed to said teeth, said inner bows being connected to the outer bows and having outer free ends. In the extraoral anchorage device the improvement consists in that the outer free ends of said inner bows have a non-circular cross section. By the use of the extraoral anchorage device according to the present invention, the orthopedic force is transmitted from the outer free ends of the inner bows to the buccal tubes without rotational movement.