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 assisting in properly positioning teeth within the mouth of an individual which is capable of fitting various mouth and tooth sizes. The appliance (10) includes a labial-buccal flange (12), a lingual flange (14) spaced from the labial-buccal flange (12), both of which define a generally U-shaped configuration in the occlusal view, and an isthmus (16) interconnecting the two flanges (12, 14). At least one tooth through (32, 40) is defined between the labial-buccal flange (12), and the lingual flange (14) for receiving either an upper or a lower row of the individual's teeth. The appliance (10) includes no individual tooth sockets but instead utilizes pressure applied by the labial-buccal flange (12), the lingual flange (14), the relative angles, and material thicknesses to properly position the teeth. The appliance (10) is capable of fitting mouths and teeth of various sizes because it includes no individual tooth sockets.