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 force-producing means, such as springs. Snapback of the force-applying means is controlled in response to relative movement of the intraoral means and the extraoral force-reaction means away from each other beyond a predetermined maximum limit, or in response to stressing of the force-producing means beyond a predetermined maximum degree of force exerted by the force-producing means. Snapback control may be effected by latching of a limit latch to prevent or limit return movement of the force-reaction device and the force-applying device, or disconnectible means can be disconnected to interrupt the application to the intraoral means of force capable of moving such intraoral means.

Abstract: An orthodontic traction appliance system including headgear with straps for the wearer, a face plate on either side connected to the headgear, and a resiliently biased "J"-hook tube assembly on each face plate. The "J"-hook tube assembly comprises a "J"-hook member having a shaft extending through a tube and being resiliently and elastically held into the tube by a rubber band extending between lateral arms on the shaft and a reverse, face plate connecting hook on the underside of the tube. The face plate includes a variable length portion comprising a base portion having series of parallel, lateral, female slots and a head strap connector portion riding on the base portion and having a male, inverted-"L" shaped protrusion for mating with a selected one of the female slots to vary the relative distance between the tube of the "J"-hook assembly and the straps of the headgear.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for treating the maxillary molars, and which includes a cervical extra oral headgear, is provided. The appliance applies a pulsating force to the molars being treated, rather than a continuous force as is the case with the prior art devices. The invention is predicated on the concept that the pulsational effect of the tooth on the adjacent periodontal membrane and bone tends to loosen their fibrous structure, and helps the tooth to find the path of least resistance through the bone. The pulsating force in the appliance of the present invention is provided by a resilient elastic pad which is mounted on the oclusal surface of one of the maxillary molars, and which forces a liquid into a reservoir mounted on the headgear so as to produce an intermittent pulsation in the pressure delivered by the headgear to the molars being treated.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is provided which consists of a tooth positioner mouth piece which contains impressions of the upper and lower teeth of a patient in corrected positions, and an electric motor mounted on the extra oral bow of a usual orthodontic headgear, and mechanically coupled to the mouth piece for introducing vibrations into the mouth piece. In a second embodiment, the mouth piece is pulsed by an electrically energized hydraulic pump.

Abstract: An Orthopedic Pressure Appliance is adapted to be retained in the mouth with resilient wires extending therefrom for attachment to a headcap by elastomeric means for urging the appliance against the maxillary teeth. The upper surface of the appliance has a posteriorly upward sloping flange for engaging the gingival third of the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth and a posteriorly upward sloping surface for supporting the incisive edges of the anterior teeth. The labial-buccal flange tapers downwardly and posteriorly away from the anterior portion thereof to prevent impingement on the gingiva and alveolus. A substantially flat and deep lower surface is provided to avoid entrapment of the mandibular anterior teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance having a cervical or high pull headgear apparatus attached to a tooth positioner is provided. The positioner, either preformed or custom made and the headgear portion are provided with a secure, yet detachable connection to allow the headgear to be used as a temporary supplement to the tooth positioner and thus provide therapeutic flexibility. Accordingly, the headgear portion may be attached by having wires received in tubes or by hooks, both of which are attached to the outside of the tooth positioner, or by inserting the wires into holes provided in the positioner. The headgear apparatus may thereby be utilized in a number of patients without the requirement for extensive individualized fittings.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprising a resilient member arranged to be positioned between the upper and lower arches and force-generating elements applying forces to at least some of the teeth of at least one of the arches. The resilient member is made over an orthodontic setup or a model having ideal arch form and includes sockets for the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of each of the arches arranged such that when the teeth seat in the sockets, they will be in the ideal or best possible occluding positions relative to each other. Any suitable type of force-generating means may be used to apply traction to one or more of the teeth of one of the arches toward the teeth of the other of the arches.

Abstract: Neck pad material in the form of tape adapted to be cut to selected lengths for use with orthodontic appliances or the like, comprising at least three strips of heat-sealable material seamed together at their sides for forming pad material, with an intermediate strip being of heavier loft than the outer strips for providing a cushioning effect. The pad material has areas of heat seal extending transversely thereof from one edge of the pad material to the other with the areas being spaced at intervals lengthwise of the pad. The pad material is adapted to be cut to form pads of selected length by cutting transversely of the pad material through these areas. A method of making such material is also described.

Abstract: An extraoral orthodontic appliance including a harness for mounting on the head and/or neck of a patient and connected to a conventional corrective tractive apparatus, such as a set of J-hooks, a face bow or a chin cup, by traction force devices (force modules) mounted on each side of the harness. The force modules incorporate force reels that are internally force-biased by inexpensive non-constant (cumulative) force, clock-type springs of large extension which can be adjusted to desired tractive force levels by winding and preset so as to apply a substantially constant tractive force during treatment periods, regardless of movement of the patient's head or jaw. Further, the force modules may include means to limit the extent to which the corrective tractive apparatus can be extended and retracted thereby protecting the patient from injury during placement and removal of the appliance or accidental uncontrolled retraction.

Abstract: Orthodontic apparatus for applying traction to the teeth in a patient's mouth via an orthodontic instrumentality on the teeth, comprising headgear having a pair of side members to be worn on opposite sides of the patient's head. Each side member has a tensioning assembly associated therewith for applying traction to the teeth. Each tensioning assembly develops traction upon being stretched. The forward end of each tensioning assembly is adapted to be attached to the orthodontic instrumentality and the rearward end has a fastening rod adapted to be mounted on a side member by a coupler. The coupler has an unlocked and locked configuration. When unlocked, the fastening rod can slide in the coupler relative to the side member so that a predetermined magnitude of traction force may be developed. When locked, the fastening rod is secured against sliding movement so that the traction force may be maintained.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow is disclosed which is provided with an improved inner safety wire. The inner safety wire includes at least one end adapted for insertion into a patient-mounted buccal tube and a safety extension associated with the at least one end. The safety extension is formed integral with the inner wire, and protects the patient from accidental contact with the at least one end.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic face bow which facilitates the making of a secondary orthodontic correction in addition to the primary correction provided by a conventional face bow is disclosed. An armature projects vertically from the arch member of the face bow. The armature extends from a position proximate the exterior surface of the posterior teeth of one level, usually the upper teeth, to a position proximate the exterior surface of the posterior teeth of the other, usually lower level. An engaging surface is provided at the distal end of the armature. A tension member such as a rubber band is used to interconnect the engaging surface of the armature and the anterior teeth of said other level. The tension member provides a rearwardly directed force on the anterior teeth at the level of the engaging means to induce an orthodontic correction on the anterior teeth of said other level.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is provided which applies a pulsating force to the tooth to be moved, rather than a continuous force as in the case with the prior art devices. The invention is predicated on the concept that when pulsating forces are applied to the tooth, there is little or no hyalinization and consequently more cellular activity, giving rise to more oesteoclastic activity for bone resorption and more oesteoblastic activity for bone opposition. Moreover, the pulsational 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.

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 force-producing means, such as springs. Snapback of the force-applying means is controlled in response to relative movement of the intraoral means and the extraoral force-reaction means away from each other beyond a predetermined maximum limit, or in response to stressing of the force-producing means beyond a predetermined maximum degree of force exerted by the force-producing means. Snapback control may be effected by latching of a limit latch to prevent or limit return movement of the force-reaction device and the force-applying device, or disconnectible means can be disconnected to interrupt the application of primary force to the intraoral means and reaction force to the head or neck engageable means.

Abstract: An orthodontic process is provided by which a pulsating force is applied to the tooth to be moved, rather than a continuous force as in the case with the prior art methods. The invention is predicted on the concept that when pulsating forces are applied to the tooth, there is little or no hyalinization and consequently more cellular activity, giving rise to more oesteoclastic activity for bone resorption and more oesteoblastic activity for bone opposition. Moreover, the pulsational effect on 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.

Abstract: Safety-release tension-applying mechanism for use between an orthodontic facebow and a headstrap and the like therefor. The mechanism includes a pair of releaseably interengageable portions which, while engaged, are smoothly elastically shiftable relative to one another throughout a preselected tension range. These portions automatically release on the tension transmitted through the mechanism exceeding a predetermined maximum tension level.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow for applying at least extrusion and/or intrusion forces to teeth in a controlled and reliable manner comprises an inner bow member having first and second ends to be coupled to respective teeth in the mouth; and an outer bow member coupled to the inner bow member at a substantially central portion thereof, the inner and outer bow members being rotatable relative to each other. A resilient biassing means is coupled between the inner and outer bow members for resiliently biassing one of the bow members relative to the other to cause one of the bow members to rotate relative to the other to apply at least one of the aforementioned extrusion and intrusion forces to the teeth to which the inner bow member is coupled. Also disclosed is an arrangement in which the inner and outer bow members are both mounted intra-oral and further arrangements which limit the amount of rotation of one of the bow members relative to the other.

Abstract: An orthodontic headgear appliance having a safety system which includes a release mechanism for the headgear tensioning apparatus, a system for selectively setting limits for free travel of the facebow and for activating a disconnecting system when a forward force on the facebow is still being applied when the travel limit is reached.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow for use in the correction of malposed teeth, especially for children. The face bow includes an externally applied outer bow and an internally applied inner bow which extends into the wearer's mouth and which separates from the outer bow when the latter is pulled.

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.