Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for maloccluded teeth and an associated method of construction utilizes an elastomer base material comprised of a silicone elastomer composition. The elastomer composition, when in an uncured condition, possessses a sufficiently low viscosity so that the positioner can be formed in a low pressure injection molding process and which, when in a cured condition, possessses a relatively high resistance to tear.

Abstract: A method of making a dental appliance of the type having a plastic body portion and auxiliary members which extend from the body portion. The method utilizes a dental model formed from an impression taken from the mouth of a patient and includes a step of positioning the auxiliary member on said model so that a portion of the auxiliary member is spaced from a surface of the model. A heated blank of thermoplastic material is then applied to the model and shaped to conform to the shape of the model. Because a selected portion of the auxiliary member is spaced from the model surface, the heated thermoplastic material flows around the selected portion during the shaping process. The selected portion of the auxiliary member is thereby substantially encapsulated in the thermoplastic material and, when the thermoplastic material is allowed to cool, the auxiliary member is securely anchored within the plastic material.

Abstract: An orthodontic positioner appliance of elastomer base material is formed directly on the tooth coupling members during fabrication so as to assure accuracy of the appliance and compliance with the exact shape and placement of the members. A construction model is provided of the patient's teeth in a desired orientation, members are attached to the teeth in the model, and the positioner is formed by applying material to the model and directly to the members providing an exact adaptation of the material to the model including the members and providing an exact fit between the material and the members so as to eliminate any void between the members and the material to assure maximum purchase on the teeth but yet be easily removed by the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic finishing positioner for maloccluded teeth to which are secured coupling members having portions protruding from the sides thereof, the positioner comprising an arcuate body of elastomer base material positioned about the teeth and coupling member of at least one dental arch and defining a recess for receiving teeth of at least one dental arch. The recess includes walls defining teeth-engaging surfaces shaped generally complementary to the surfaces of the teeth of the one dental arch when the teeth therein are positioned in a predetermined or ideal orientation. A series of indentations in the walls are disposed across the teeth-engaging surfaces, each indentation being shaped to nestingly accept a corresponding coupling member.

Abstract: An orthodontic finishing positioner for maloccluded teeth to which are secured coupling members having portions protruding from the sides of the teeth includes a body constructed of an elastomer base material adapted to be operatively positioned about the teeth and coupling members of at least one dental arch of a patient. The positioner body is arcuate in shape and defines a recess for receiving teeth of at least one dental arch wherein the recess includes walls defining teeth-engaging surfaces shaped generally complementary to the surfaces of the teeth of the one dental arch when the teeth therein are positioned in a predetermined or idential orientation.

Abstract: An orthodontic finishing positioner for maloccluded teeth to which are secured coupling members having portions protruding from the sides of the teeth includes a body constructed of an elastomer base material adapted to be operatively positioned about the teeth and coupling member of at least one dental arch of a patient. The positioner body is arcuate in shape and defines a recess for receiving teeth of at least one dental arch wherein the recess includes walls defining teeth-engaging surfaces shaped generally complementary to the surfaces of the teeth of the one dental arch when the teeth therein are positioned in a predetermined or ideal orientation.