AN APPLIANCE ADAPTED TO FIT MANY MOUTH AND TOOTH SIZES FOR ORTHODONTIC CORRECTION AND OTHER USES

摘要

This invention is an orthodontic appliance (10) for assistingin properly positioning teeth within the mouth of an individualwhich is capable of fitting various mouth and tooth sizes. Theappliance (10) includes a labial-buccal flange (12), a lingualflange (14) spaced from the labial-buccal flange (12), both ofwhich define a generally U-shaped configuration in the occlusalview, and an isthmus (16) interconnecting the two flanges (12,14). At least one tooth through (32, 40) is defined between thelabial-buccal flange (12), and the lingual flange (14) for receivingeither an upper or a lower row of the individual's teeth. Theappliance (10) includes no individual tooth sockets but insteadutilizes pressure applied by the labial-buccal flange (12), thelingual flange (14), the relative angles, and material thicknessesto properly position the teeth. The appliance (10) is capable offitting mouths and teeth of various sizes because it includes noindividual tooth sockets.